Kimberly

October 30, 2014October 26, 2014

Natasha reviews Penumbra by Keri Arthur

TITLE: Penumbra
SERIES #: The Spook Squad #3
CHARACTERS: Sam & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/28/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Agent Sam Ryan has had enough. She wants out, and she wants out now. She’s sick of putting up with Gabriel’s crappy attitude, sick of seeing nothing but paperwork and the inside off her small office. But most of all, she is sick of feeling lonely. It’s time to take control and get a life outside of work. But Stephan, the man in charge of the SIU, isn’t about to let her go easily. Offered the choice between guarding a clone and probable enemy of the country, or remaining stuck in her shoe box, Sam reluctantly accepts the former, even though she suspects Stephan is using her as bait to draw out the elusive and dangerous Sethanon. Gabriel is relieved to discover he’s finally shaken Sam as a partner, until he learns her new assignment is guarding Wetherton, the clone replacement of a government minister. Both he and Stephan know Wetherton could only have come from one place-Hopeworth. The military base has been involved in DNA experiments for decades and was more than likely the place where Sam was created. But there is a growing likelihood that the military base is also the home of Sethanon himself. Determined to protect her, Gabriel is quickly drawn into the mission. All too soon he discovers the connection between he and Sam is far deeper than anyone could ever have imagined. As the assignment begins to unravel around Sam and her past begins to reveal itself in her dreams, she fights to stay alive because the military wants their creation back. And the only person standing between her and them might well be the enemy of all mankind.

REVIEW: This was the book I’d been waiting for. Finally some answers for Sam about her past! I was very pleased that this book has finally given insight to some of the most burning questions we’ve had regarding Sam’s history and who she really is. This series has a ton of twists and turns as well is interlocking storylines with other events so the characters/bad guys are all really hard to keep straight from book to book. I am happy to report though, that we do get some fairly easy to understand explanations about Sam that will make many things make sense. Who is Joe Black? Will Gabriel ever quit being such a jerk and come to his senses? These are questions we finally get answers to! I know this series was originally set as a trilogy but Arthur could really turn this into a longer series, and I kinda hope she does. There’s a ton of action, deception and intrigue in these books – even though they can sometimes be hard to follow. I highly recommend this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 29, 2014October 26, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review Yours For Christmas by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Yours for Christmas
SERIES #: Fools Gold #15.5
CHARACTERS: Kenny Scott & Bailey Voss
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: October 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Step out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool’s Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery

Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hot…he’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package—tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts As with all novella’s my review will be short and sweet.
Another great trip to the wonderful town of Fool’s Gold, California. I was so excited to read Kenny’s book. The tension between Kenny and Bailey has been growing over the last two book, ever since the Boys of The Score PR firm moved to Fool’s Gold. I really enjoyed Kenny & Bailey’s book. While I am a little sad that Kenny only got a novella I think that Ms. Mallery did a wonderful job with the story. Yes I would have liked more. But I am not sure that there would have been enough for a full length novel.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Fool’s Gold is one of my favorite places to visit and Christmas time makes the visit even sweeter. This romance has been in the making for a long time. The moment Chloe walked up to Kenny he was a goner. It just took him all this time to realize it.

This is a short novella and therein lies the problem I wish this had been longer. I love Bailey and was so thrilled for her to be moving on with her life with Chloe. And Kenny is just a great guy and we have loved him through all the other books and it was sad that we didn’t get more of their romance.

No one should miss any of the books in the Fool’s Gold series but if you haven’t read any I suggest starting with this year’s trilogy of stories so you understand the connection of Bailey, Kenny and Chloe.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & e-book Harlequin HQN in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 28, 2014October 26, 2014

Kimberly reviews Flaming Hot by Lynn LaFleur

TITLE: Flaming Hot
SERIES #: Firefighters of Lanville TX #2
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Lynn LaFleur
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Big and bold, strong and sexy, the firefighters of the Lanville, Texas, Volunteer Fire Department know how to turn up the heat…

Fiery
Sparks fly the moment Eve and Quade meet. Fear of heartbreak makes them wary but neither can deny the scorching waves of desire that leave them wanting so much more…

Flare
Paige wonders about Cort’s past but she can’t ignore the heat she feels inside every time he touches her. And things only get hotter when this sexy firefighter takes her to the heights of extreme carnal pleasure…

Flash
For years Kirk has kept a secret that not even his twin knows. But the arrival in town of a sexy newcomer turns up the heat and keeps the flames of passion burning all night long…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I was going to review the three stories separately but honestly they all seem to be about the same so I will lump them together. All three stories are about 50 pages of sweet and hot rolled into one. The romance of the stories is sweet and the characters great. The sex scenes are hot. LaFleur writes great short erotica. As a warning (for lack of a better word) the third story is M/M just in case that is not your thing.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 28, 2014October 26, 2014

Kelly reviews Burn For Me by Ilona Andrews

TITLE: Burn for Me
SERIES #: Hidden Legacy #1
CHARACTERS: Connor “Mad” Rogan & Nevada Baylor
AUTHOR: Ilona Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: October 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews launches a brand new Hidden Legacy series, in which one woman must place her trust in a seductive, dangerous man who sets off an even more dangerous desire…

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run or surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

REVIEW:
I had a hard time rating this book. I don’t know what it was but the first few chapter’s interested me. A new world to explore and a new twist on magic. Connor peaked my interests. All moody and mysterious. Nevada came acrossed as tough and determine. But then I read on and found myself bored. I am not sure if it was my mood or not. Or maybe I just have a hard time with the Urban Fantasy genre (I like my HEA at the end of the book). Or maybe it was the first encounter between Mad & Nevada. I don’t know. But I didn’t connect with this book. Maybe at a later date I will pick this book up and re-read. But at this time I am not sure I will continue with this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Avon Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 27, 2014October 26, 2014

Kimberly reviews Unleashed by Rachel Lacey

TITLE: Unleashed
SERIES #: Love To The Rescue #1
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/28/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What happens when you find the right one at the wrong time?

Cara Medlen has a serious case of animal attraction. And it’s not because of all the foster dogs she’s rescued. She’s got it bad for her incredibly sexy neighbor. Her one rule: Don’t get attached. It’s served her well with the dogs she’s given to good homes and the children she’s nannied. Yet the temptation of Matt’s sexy smile might just convince her that some rules are made to be broken.

Matt Dumont doesn’t need his skills as a private investigator to detect disaster on the horizon. Cara is everything he thought he’d never find-gorgeous, funny, and caring. But there’s no way he can start a relationship just as he’s about to move to another state. Talk about bad timing. As their attraction sizzles too hot to deny, they’ll have to make a decision: forget the consequences and let loose, or forget each other and let go..

REVIEW:
I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised at this story. I wasn’t sure how it would be since I have never read this author before but it is really sweet and a really good read. Cara is someone you want to be friends with, she loves animals and would give the shirt off her back for the people and animals she cares about but she also has a past that is stopping her from moving forward. She had cancer as a teenager and is waiting for the 10 year mark before beginning to have a life (This is not a spoiler… it is said pretty quickly in the story). But even when you are waiting to get one… life happens. Matt is a PI who is getting ready to uproot the life he has but Cara comes into it and changes everything for him. He is a sweet romantic type of guy. He doesn’t put off the alpha male feel but he is an all around good guy and someone you want to fall in love with.

I enjoyed the connection of the characters. I enjoyed the background characters as well. And I really enjoyed the dogs. While not given personalities like in some books they do have a major role in the story. If you are a fan of contemporary romance then you will enjoy this book. While it doesn’t shove it down the readers throat the book does remind you that you need to live your life. You never know what will happen and it is better to have lived and loved… and read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 27, 2014October 26, 2014

Natasha reviews Gone To Her Grave by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Gone to Her Grave
SERIES #: Rogue River Novella #2
CHARACTERS: Seth Harding & Carly Taylor
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: October 21, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Solitude, Oregon, everyone has secrets…and some will kill to keep them.

When she believes a teen is falsely accused of drug dealing, social worker Carly Taylor takes on a high-risk case and her estranged husband—the detective in charge of the investigation—to prove the boy innocent. A deadly new designer drug has taken hold of her small rural hometown of Solitude, Oregon, and Carly is determined to find the real dealer and clear the teen’s name. But the deeper she digs into the case, the more danger she unearths, until someone decides it’s time for Carly to move on…permanently.

Investigator Seth Harding knows he can’t stop his wife when she has a child to protect. But he risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can’t learn to accept her dangerous job. When a drug dealer decides Carly is getting too close, will Seth lose her altogether?

A pulse-pounding Rogue River novella, Gone to Her Grave is the second exciting addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.

REVIEW:
This is the second book in this novella series by Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot. I was pulled into this series with book one and was super excited about the next installment. Melinda did not disappoint. These stories take place in the town of Solitude – which for a small town has a lot of bad asshole people in it. This story line focused on Carly and Seth who are a married couple that is currently separated. I wish I got to see a little more interaction between the two of them. We haven’t seen them as a couple yet and I want a little more history between them so I could understand their current situation fully. That said, we get bits and pieces on their situation and the problems they face. I’m really rooting for them and hope that they find a way beyond their demons. Carly is a strong female character, a bit stubborn but proud and capable. Seth is a manly man who is struggling with his wife’s aspirations, but he’s lovable. This story was fast paced and added a new layer into this town of secrets. I’m very excited for book 3!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 24, 2014October 17, 2014

Kimberly reviews Personal by Lee Child

TITLE: Personal
SERIES #: Jack Reacher #19
CHARACTERS: Jack Reacher
AUTHOR: Lee Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jack Reacher walks alone. Once a go-to hard man in the US military police, now he’s a drifter of no fixed abode. But the army tracks him down. Because someone has taken a long-range shot at the French president.

Only one man could have done it. And Reacher is the one man who can find him.

This new heartstopping, nailbiting book in Lee Child’s number-one bestselling series takes Reacher across the Atlantic to Paris – and then to London. The stakes have never been higher – because this time, it’s personal.

REVIEW:
Reacher is the modern day Sherlock Holmes. First let me say do NOT judge this series but the movie with Tom Cruise. The books are nothing like the movie was. Reacher is a man of thought. He sees things that others do not and finds the pieces to the puzzle and while looking for one piece he may find a few more and he will figure out how to make them fit. Yes there is some action but that is not what this book/series is about.

If you enjoy a suspenseful book and one that makes you think this is the book/series for you. But I would suggest starting from the beginning so you understand who Reacher is and why he does what he does.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 24, 2014October 17, 2014

Kelly reviews How a White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back by Diane Rowland

TITLE: How a White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back
SERIES #: White Trash Zombie #4
CHARACTERS: Angel Crawford & Crew (way too many to name)
AUTHOR: Diane Rowland
NARRATOR: Allison McLemore
RUN TIME: 14 Hours & 21 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: June 24, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N |Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Our favorite zombie Angel Crawford has come a long way from her days as a pain-pill-addicted high school dropout with a felony record. After a year highlighted by murder, kidnapping, and the loss of her home, all she wants to do is kick back, relax, and maybe even think about college.

But when key members of the “Zombie Mafia” go missing, she has no choice but to get involved. Angel is certain Saberton Corporation is behind the disappearances, yet she can’t shake the sense that a far deeper conspiracy is at work. With the small band of friends she can trust, Angel strikes out to track down the missing zombies.

But when unexpected danger threatens to destroy her, all the brains and bravado in the world may not be enough to keep her from going to pieces.

REVIEW:
3.34 Hearts I have to say that I am still amazed that I am in love with a Zombie book. Okay I have one other series that is zombified that I love but it is TOTALLY different than the White Trash Zombie series. That being said I love the world that Ms. Rowland has created in this series. Zombies are not the crazy messed up ghouls that you think that the should be (well as long as they are not hunger then you have a mess on your hands and better run).
How a White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back was a good book, slow in a few parts and left me with a lot of “Well Craps” and “Now what are they going to do”. This was also a huge growing book for Angel. She really learns a lot about who she is and what she is capable of. But as a note to Ms. Rowland PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t let Angel go down that path (yes, you need to read to find out what I am talking about).
Ms. Rowland throw in a lot of twists and turns in this book that left me with a “Well Crap” I didn’t see that coming. While I was sad about a few events that happened in the beginning I believe now that they are for the best. Gaahhh, I can’t say much more that would be a bit of a possible spoiler. So, I will leave you with this if you are a White Trash Zombie fan, you will enjoy this newest book. If you are new to the series start with book 1 (it is a must).
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Rowland has in store for Angel and her Crew and The Tribe as a whole.

And once again Ms. McLemore does an amazing job narrating this book!!! Seriously I could not image Angel’s voice any other way except by Ms. McLemore!!!! Loved it!!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 23, 2014October 17, 2014

Kelly reviews Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones

TITLE: Seventh Grave and No Body
SERIES #: Charley Davidson #7
CHARACTERS: Charley Davidson, Reyes Farrow and Crew
AUTHOR: Darynda Jones
PUBLICATION DATE: October 21, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there’s that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she’s ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.

A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it.

We’re doomed.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts As always Charley is on the case and you know when Charley has a case she runs first and thinks later. But this time there is a lot more on the line then just Charley.

Humor,Tension,Trust ,Tears

These are all the emotions that I felt while reading Seventh Grave and No Body. Seventh Grave was another great adventure for Charley, Reyes and crew. There were so many high’s and low’s in this book it was a real rollercoaster.

Oh my goodness there is so much that I could tell you. But I don’t want to give you any spoilers. So let me leave you with this.
Charley is Charley and kicks some serious ass in this story.
Reyes is as always smoking hot and AWESOME!! (oh and the sexy time is yum-o)
Cookie is one tough Cookie. So don’t mess with what is hers.
Osh… well you will just have to read to find out more. (I have some guesses about this person and really need to send Darynda a few questions)
Ubie is funny on drugs.
Beep……………

If you are a Charley Davidson fan you will LOVE this book. If you are not a fan yet. You really have to read this series in order. There is way too much history for you to just pick up book 7 so please take the time to read the whole series.

I can’t wait to see what Darynda has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & St. Martins in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 23, 2014October 17, 2014

Kelly reviews Talk Dirty to Me by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Talk Dirty to Me
SERIES #: Plum Orchard #1
CHARACTERS: Caine Donovan & Dixie Davis
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Scarlet Chase
PUBLICATION DATE: April 29, 2014
RUN TIME: 11 Hours
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Plum Orchard, Georgia, is about to get even juicier…

Notorious mean girl Dixie Davis is back in town and it’s payback time. Literally. Dixie is flat broke and her best—make that only—friend, Landon, is throwing her a lifeline from the Great Beyond. Dixie stands to inherit his business…if she meets a few conditions:

She’s got to live in Landon’s mansion.

With her gorgeous ex-fiancé, Caine Donovan.

Who could also inherit the business.

Which is a phone sex empire.

Wait, what?

Landon’s will lays it out: whoever gets the most new clients becomes the owner of Call Girls. Dixie has always been in it to win it, especially when it comes to Caine, who’s made it clear he’s not going down easy. (Oh, mercy.) Can Dixie really talk dirty and prove that she’s cleaned up her act? Game on!

REVIEW:
I have to be totally and completely honest here. I picked up this book about a month or so ago and got a few chapters in and didn’t love it. So I set it down. I could not put my finger on what was wrong. So when I had the chance to review this book via audio I jumped at the chance. I am so very very glad that I did. This story was great!! I have no clue what my problem was the first time around. But I loved Dixie, Caine, Em, Landon, the Lady’s of Call Girls and the whole stuck up little town of Plum Orchard.

Ms. Cassidy has a knack for giving me a fit or 20 of anxiety as her stories go on. I so badly wanted Dixie to kick a certain southern belles back side up and down the neat little streets of Plum Orchard. But at least that is not how the new Dixie works. Caine is all kinds of yummy and pain in the butt hotness. You really can’t not like Caine even when he is being an ass. I loved the humor and heartbreak that Ms. Cassidy infuses in this story. I really can’t wait for my next visit to the PO.

This is my first story by Ms. Chase. She did a wonderful job of bringing Dixie, Caine and the whole lot of them to life for me. I will surely pick up more book read by Ms. Chase.

If you are looking for a fun, heartbreaking, humorous second chance at love along with a good dose of phone sex you really need to pick up a copy of Talk Dirty to Me.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 22, 2014October 17, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Oh Naughty Night by Leslie Kelly

TITLE: Oh Naughty Night
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Leslie Kelly
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/21/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hot for the holidays!

Every Halloween party has its share of eye candy, and journalist Chaz Browning has just spotted a treat he can’t resist;a deliciously wicked witch with sparkly red hair and deep, dark eyes that promise all kinds of sexy tricks. She wants no names. No strings. Just a night of lust-filled magic.

The witch’s mask may hide her face, but Lulu Vandenberg knows exactly who Chaz is. They spent most of their childhoods tormenting each other. So the moment Chaz touches her and everything turns to lust, Lulu knows she can never reveal her identity. But desire has a memory of its own, and Chaz has vowed to find his fantasy woman before the holidays end.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a cute sort of holiday romance. There honestly isn’t much about the holiday but that is ok. It is a sweet story anyway. It can be a little wordy with the memories of Chaz and Lulu’s childhood together. It reminds us too many times that Lulu can’t tell Chaz who she is. But other than that it is cute. The bedroom scenes are done well and not overdone. It is only about 200 pages so it is a short story. The characters connect really well and share a great chemistry.

I will read the next in the series and look forward to it.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 22, 2014October 17, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas With A SEAL by Tawny Weber

TITLE: Christmas With A SEAL
CHARACTERS: Frankie & Phillip
AUTHOR: Tawny Weber
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/21/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Subject: Navy SEAL Lieutenant Phillip Banks

Mission: Resist one saucy redhead’s attempts to de-Scrooge himand seduce him!

Silversmith Frankie Silvera has lost her creative mojo. And she knows how to get it back—by getting her sexy on with a certain hot sailor. Just the thought of Phillip’s hard, Navy-trained body against her, and everything goes molten. He’s the “inspiration” Frankie needs for the holidays!

Navy SEAL Phillip Banks is the prince of protocol. But after his last mission went horribly off-course, all of that control has dissipated. Now he’s at the mercy of one very determined female who is pulling out all the stops on Operation Christmas—including red-hot lingerie and the promise of oh-so-wicked delights But does giving in mean giving up everything he’s worked for?

REVIEW:
I’m sorry to say that I really just didn’t feel it with this story. The characters didn’t seem to have much chemistry and it felt more like Frankie was using Phillip at first.The idea of the story is a bit cliche which could be fine since a lot of Harlequin romances can be but I just never got into this story.

There was a lot of potential with this book but it just never got off the ground.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.